News Summary
Dr. Salvador Plasencia has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of illegally distributing ketamine related to the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry. Perry, who died at 54, was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi, with ketamine and underlying health issues contributing to his death. Plasencia’s guilty plea comes amid ongoing investigations into the case, which has attracted significant media attention and raised concerns over the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers. The doctor could face a lengthy prison sentence, while the case continues with other co-defendants involved in Perry’s tragic situation.
Los Angeles – Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a California physician, pleaded guilty to four counts of illegally distributing the drug ketamine in a U.S. District Court on July 23, 2025. His guilty plea comes in connection with the overdose death of the well-known actor Matthew Perry, who passed away at the age of 54 in October 2023.
Perry was discovered unresponsive in his jacuzzi on October 28, 2023, with an autopsy revealing that his death resulted from the acute effects of ketamine, alongside drowning and underlying coronary artery disease as contributing factors. The tragic event shocked fans worldwide and initiated investigations into the circumstances surrounding Perry’s death.
Plasencia is one of five individuals charged in relation to Perry’s fatal overdose. Following his plea, the 43-year-old doctor could face a maximum sentence of up to 40 years in prison. However, he will remain free on bond until his sentencing, which is set for December 3, 2025. In the wake of his guilty plea, Plasencia has indicated his intention to surrender his medical license within the next 30 to 45 days.
During the court proceedings, Plasencia exhibited signs of emotional distress, using tissues throughout the hearing. He admitted to injecting Perry with ketamine both at his home and in the back of a parked car, acknowledging that these actions were not for legitimate medical purposes.
Plasencia operated an urgent care clinic and reportedly acquired the ketamine from another physician, Mark Chavez, based in San Diego. Evidence presented in court indicated that Plasencia had communicated with Chavez via text, expressing an intention to exploit Perry’s substance dependence for financial gain, showcasing a disturbing disregard for ethical medical practices.
Plasencia’s attorney revealed that he is “profoundly remorseful” regarding his involvement in the distribution of ketamine, emphasizing the necessity for stricter regulation within the at-home ketamine industry. The case has raised broader concerns about the accountability and monitoring of medical professionals in controlled substance distributions.
Three other co-defendants have already pleaded guilty in connection with this case. Among them is another doctor whose involvement has yet to become public. The fifth defendant, Jasveen Sangha, known in the media as the “ketamine queen,” has been charged with supplying the specific dose that resulted in Perry’s death, but she has pleaded not guilty. Sangha’s trial is scheduled to commence in August 2025.
Matthew Perry had a longstanding history of substance abuse, which he openly addressed during his career, particularly while starring in the iconic sitcom “Friends.” This history added a complex layer to the investigation into his tragic death, as it underscored the vulnerabilities faced by individuals struggling with addiction.
Additionally, allegations state that Plasencia charged Perry significant amounts of money for the ketamine doses, with reports indicating that the total cost amounted to approximately $4,500. At Plasencia’s clinic, patients were required to sign waivers acknowledging the charges against him, emphasizing the contentious nature of his medical practices.
As the fallout from Perry’s death continues to unfold, the case against Plasencia and his co-defendants highlights the urgent need for enhanced oversight in the prescription and administration of medications like ketamine, particularly outside traditional medical settings.
The tragic circumstances surrounding Matthew Perry’s passing and the subsequent legal repercussions serve as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in addiction treatment and the ethical obligations of healthcare providers.
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Additional Resources
- ABC7 News
- ABC News
- Los Angeles Times
- Reuters
- Google Search: Matthew Perry ketamine case
- Encyclopedia Britannica: ketamine
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
